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Braslau Sophie (alto) - Victor 1914-1922; Col. 1928

by: Braslau Sophie, contralto

Topics: Braslau Sophie, Victor, Columbia, Donizetti, 78rpm opera, Contralto

Sophie Braslau (New York, 16.08.1892 - New York, 22.12.1935): American contralto, of Russian-Jewish origin. As a child she received piano lessons, until her voice was discovered by the singing teacher Arturo Buzzi-Pecci, of whom she had 3 years of lessons. She further studied with Gabriele Sibella and Mari Marafioti, and finally with Marcella Sembrich.

Her debut took place in 1913 at the Metropolitan Opera, where she sang until 1920. During this period she sang in the world premieres of Mme Sans-Gêne (Umberto Giordano, 1915) and the title role Shanewis (Charles Wakefield Cadman, 1918). After that she had a great career as a concert singer and she sang sporadically opera, only in 1930-1931 at the Philadelphia Opera as Carmen and as Marina (Boris Godounov).

Sophie Braslau was also part of the Victor Quartet, which recorded opera records.

She toured extensively through America, Canada and also performed in the big cities of Europe. She sang her repertoire in English, French German, Italian, Russian and Yiddish. Her last performance was with the Philharmonic Society of New York in 1934.

She died at the age of 43 on 22 December 1935 of lung cancer. At her funeral Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Reiner and José Iturbi were bearers.

Sophie Braslau recorded for the labels Victor (1913-1924) and Columbia (1927-1929)

We hear Sophie Braslau in 1 opera aria and 5 popular 'sentinemtal songs' from the period 1914-1928.

Sophie Braslau, contralto:

1 Donizetti - "Lucrezia Bori": Brindisi

78rpm 25 cm: Victor 64468 B14000-7 1914 09 28

2 The sweetest story ever told

78rpm 25 cm: Victrola 64708 B20374-1 1917 07 18

3 Just a little house of love

78rpm 25 cm: Victrola 64937 B24481-5 1921 01 24

4 Jasmine door

78rpm 25 cm: Victrola 66044 B25337-5 1922 01 24

5 Carry me back to old Virginny

6 Old folks at home

With male quartet and orchestra

78rpm 30 cm: Columbia 50120-D (W)98580/1 1928 09 05